Code Compliance

Purpose

The quality, safety and aesthetic condition of housing and businesses in
Battle Creek are a reflection of community values. The physical condition of
the city’s structures is unique compared to other infrastructure, in part, because
it is both a product of community wealth and essential criteria to building
prosperity. While the role of city government in establishing building codes is
clearly to protect the best interests of the community as a whole, the crafting
and enforcement of these codes must also respect the rights of individuals.

The purpose of encouraging residents to keep their houses up to minimum housing
code standards is to maintain the appearance and safety of our community’s
housing stock. Appearance violations emphasize the exterior, not because it is
more important than interior issues, but because the general public is only
presented with the exterior view of the property. Exterior issues expand beyond
the structure itself, including inoperable vehicles, junk, trash and garbage
cans. Maintaining a neat, cared-for appearance in a neighborhood is an
important deterrent to crime. Studies have shown that neighborhoods that look
run-down or "like no one cares or is paying attention," will attract
more crime, from vandalism to petty theft and worse.

Responsibilities

Code Compliance officials work in neighborhoods to ensure compliance
with the city’s housing code. The primary concern of these officials is helping
property owners bring their property into compliance with the City Housing
Code. In order to do this, they address many issues, including inoperable
vehicles, junk and trash in yards, exterior housing violations, and interior
housing violations on rental property, Neighborhood Enterprise Zone
certifications and rental inspections. By addressing these issues, they assist
in making the city’s neighborhoods stronger and more attractive places to live.
In situations in which a property owner is elderly, or does not have the
financial resources to make repairs, the Code Compliance official will work
with the individual to help him or her access assistance.